Intersecting Horizons: The Nexus of Maritime Security and Global Health

Kiran Bhatt, Aniruddha Inamdar, Manoj Babu Buraga and Sanjay Pattanshetty

Issue & Policy Briefs April, 2024

The maritime industry is often regarded as one of the primary engines of the global economy as it is the backbone of global trade, accounting for around 90 percent of the total goods trade, making maritime security a key foreign policy matter. While the sector has benefitted states with access to newer maritime routes and trade partners, it has also increased the threat of infectious diseases, highlighting the need to study the intersection between maritime security and global health.

This nexus is a bidirectional phenomenon, as the industry is also found to be adversely affected due to health concerns, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the maritime industry gradually returning from the trade restrictions, it thus becomes imperative to push for better preparedness, detailed management plans to minimize transmission, and increased accountability to ensure the safety of seafarers and the larger population.

Related Publications

See more